Air Force pararescue jumpers, or PJs, set themselves some difficult tasks as part of Northern Edge 2006, according to Marine Corps journalist Lance Cpl, Ethan Hoaldridge. Alaska’s climate and terrain provided an excellent training opportunity for PJs visiting from the 31st Rescue Squadron of Kadena AB, Japan. Some of the Alaskan combat search and rescue crews got to play “victims” in scenarios such as one that had PJs jumping from a C-130 into the frigid Kachemak Bay to rescue three victims.
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.

